Mission Statement

Through the efforts of a professionally prepared and caring faculty and staff, Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing aspires to prepare M.S.N. graduates who are leaders among their peers in a global community. These graduates think critically, value diversity, and are committed to the highest spiritual and ethical good. These M.S.N. graduates expand educational opportunities that empower individuals to optimal health and effective citizenship; and work to become models of creative Christian leadership who seek to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Graduates are exposed to a broad foundation of knowledge to meet the rapidly changing needs of today's healthcare environment. PLNU combines instruction, research, and public service opportunities that advance the intellectual, spiritual, professional, and economic potential of its M.S.N. graduates for productive nursing practice in settings around the globe.

Graduation Requirements

1. A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (on-line or in the Office of Records, main campus);
2. Completion of the approved graduate program of 40-43 units, including the thesis or project;
3. Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or higher. A minimum grade of B- is required to progress in the program; and
4. All accounts paid in full.

Admission Requirements to Master of Science in Nursing 

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program;
• Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities;
• Successful completion of post-baccalaureate certificate program or graduate degree program, or an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.000 (candidates with a grade-point average of 2.700 to 2.990 may be considered under the exceptions policy (see below);
• Current California licensure as a registered nurse;
• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certificate from the American Heart Association;
• Completed School of Nursing Health Form Packet which includes proof of immunizations and a physical exam within the first six months of the first clinical course;
• Current TB screening (within six months) upon admission to the program;
• A completed university application and two personal letters of recommendation;
• A completed School of Nursing graduate program application and two professional recommendations;
• Current HIPPA certificate;
• Background check and drug screening (failure to pass this will result in an inability to complete the program); 
• A personal essay demonstrating graduate level writing skills and the importance of graduate study to the applicant;
• An interview with the graduate Nursing selection committee;
• Completion of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) will be accepted if taken within the last five years;
• Basic computer literacy which includes knowledge of Explorer, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to perform an internet database search; and
• Completion of baccalaureate courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, nursing leadership and community health nursing

Exceptions Policy

Applicants who do not meet the above standards, but who can demonstrate an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or demonstrate dramatic change in academic performance, may petition the School of Nursing to review their status. This petition, if approved by the School of Nursing, is then sent to the Graduate Studies Committee. (See Graduate Admissions Procedures.)

Post-M.S.N. Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
Post-M.S.N. Nurse Educator Certificate

Admission Requirements:

• M.S.N. degree from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program;
•  Official transcripts - B.S.N. and M.S.N.; 
• Current California RN license;
• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certificate from the American Heart Association;
• Completed School of Nursing Health Form Packet which includes proof of immunizations and a physical exam within the first six months of the first clinical course;
• Current TB screening (within six months) upon admission into the program;
• A completed university graduate program application and two personal letters of recommendation;
• A completed School of Nursing graduate program application and two professional recommendations;
• Current HIPPA certificate;
• Background check and drug screening (failure to pass this will result in an inability to complete the program);
• A personal essay demonstrating graduate level writing skills and the importance of graduate study to the applicant;
• An interview with the graduate nursing selection committee;
• Basic computer literacy which includes knowledge of Explore, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to perform an internet database search. 

M.S.N. Curricular Outcomes

Each masters level nursing course is designed to include competency development which incorporates the following five curricular outcomes: Critical Thinking – A learned approach to the practice of nursing which reflects intellectual development in reasoning, analysis, research and decision-making. Therapeutic Nursing Interventions – A series of theory-based, nurse initiated actions which are goal-directed and designed to optimize health.

These interventions are client-centered, interdisciplinary, research based, and focus on empowering the client. Communication – A dynamic, interactive process that transmits thoughts, ideas, and feelings through the use of symbols which are culturally appropriate. Service – The provision of leadership in clinical practice and the socio/political environment Spirituality – The dimension of life that provides meaning to existence. Within the context of vital Christianity, ethics arise out of a spiritual framework. The ethical practice of nursing adheres to the ethical and legal standards of the nursing process.

M.S.N. Assessment Plan

The assessment of the M.S.N. program will occur annually and include the following:

1. The program’s professional, educational, and spiritual emphases are centered around five curricular outcomes: Critical Thinking, Therapeutic Nursing Interventions, Communication, Service, and Spirituality. The evaluation of these outcomes will be demonstrated through an ongoing review of a student-developed portfolio of their coursework as they progress through the master’s program. The goal of the portfolio is to produce evidence of meeting the graduate competencies related to the curricular outcomes.
2. Evaluation of student progress with the cohort will be ongoing and reported annually. A project or thesis will provide evidence of a student’s ability to present and defend a professional project with the mentorship of a designated nursing faculty member.
3. Faculty evaluation and assessment of teaching will be conducted at the end of each course. Faculty are responsible for maintaining current in their area of clinical expertise and actively engaged in research and writing in their discipline.
4. Program, professional, educational, and spiritual competencies will be evaluated annually through review of individual course evaluations, student portfolios, and faculty, graduate and employer surveys.
5. M.S.N. Advisory Council will meet annually and review the annual report of the M.S.N. program director. The Advisory Council will be invited to dialogue concerning the changing healthcare environment and determine if the program is meeting the educational needs in the community and beyond.
6. Director of the M.S.N. program will provide the Graduate Studies Committee at Point Loma Nazarene University with an annual report of all assessment components.

Courses